MOSCOW 

The US Embassy in Russia on Friday called on its citizens to avoid gatherings in Moscow for the next 48 hours, saying "extremists" have plans to target them.

"The embassy is monitoring reports that extremists have imminent plans to target large gatherings in Moscow, including concerts, and US citizens should be advised to avoid large gatherings over the next 48 hours," the diplomatic mission said in a statement on its website.

The embassy advised citizens to avoid crowds, monitor local media outlets for updates, and stay alert about their surroundings.

Russia celebrates International Women's Day on March 8 – a non-working day – when people band together to celebrate the holiday, which is also seen as the spring festival.